Sri Vijaya Puram, Sept. 28: The Andaman and Nicobar Administration is working on a Single Window System for tourism-related bookings and services and plans to expand beach certification, astro-tourism and international surfing as part of a wider tourism development push. The initiatives were outlined during the Grand Finale of World Tourism Day 2026 at Corbyn’s Cove Beach, where the Administration highlighted digital infrastructure under this year’s theme, ‘Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism.’
Secretary, Information, Publicity and Tourism (IP&T), Vinayak Chamadia, said the Single Window System is expected to be ready within three to four months. The platform is intended to streamline tourism bookings and services and address issues faced by tourists at destinations including Elephanta Beach, NSCB Island and North Bay.
The Tourism Department has also launched several tourism policies. Under its Astro Tourism Policy, about 200 Astro Guides have been trained, while a subsidy programme encourages tourists to use telescopes and experience astro-tourism. The Department is pursuing Dark Sky Certification for Chidiyatapu, Little Andaman, Baludera and Ramnagar, citing the region’s minimal light pollution and favourable stargazing conditions.
Beach certification is another focus. Radhanagar currently holds Blue Flag certification, while three more beaches are expected to receive the certification by the end of 2026. The Administration then plans to seek Blue Flag certification for another 10 beaches.
The Department is also promoting surfing in Little Andaman. A national surfing competition has already been held there, while a World Surfing League event has been sanctioned for March 2027. More than 100 surfers from 27 countries are expected to participate.
The week-long World Tourism Day programme ran from September 21 to 27 and included activities organised by IP&T with tourism stakeholders, including the Andaman Association of Tour Operators (AATO) and Andaman Nicobar Tour Operators Association (ANTOA), with support from allied departments.
At the finale, beach volleyball and tug-of-war finals were held, followed by performances by local artists. Winners and participants received cash prizes and certificates. The mobile app competition was won by Deepanjali Sarkar, T. Dinesh Kumar and Priti Toppo, B.Tech CSE third-year students at DBRAIT, for ‘Dweep Vibes’, while Saurav of Bhatubasti won the reel-making competition for ‘Journey to Diglipur’.
Team Seva Bharat won the men’s beach volleyball title and TGCE-A the women’s title. Asaa of Corbyn’s Cove won the men’s tug-of-war, while SAI (C) topped the women’s category.
Chamadia, who presented the prizes, credited students, youth, organisations, the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs and tourism stakeholders for their participation. Local artists from BRW Films and DNA performed for the gathering.
Tourists also received traditional welcomes at VSI Airport, Shaheed Dweep, Swaraj Dweep and other locations, with visitors joining
